5 Tips for a Happier Work Day
Over the course of our career, about one third of our
waking hours are spent at work. This is a sizeable
number, and one that is much more easily digested
if the hours are spent doing something that makes
us happy. Being happy at work might not always
seem easy, but it is very possible. Here are five
ways to be happier at work.
1. Set three small daily goals
Sometimes it can be hard to feel like you're making
progress on a project amidst the constant
interruptions of emails, phone calls, and competing
priorities.
By jotting down three small things that you would
like to accomplish each day - and then crossing
them off the list as you do them - you can remind
yourself of the great progress you actually are
making.
One of the best ways to set and track your daily
work is with a Kanban board. If you've never used
one, give it a try. It's simple, yet effective.
2. Avoid negativity in the workplace
No matter how happy you are, negativity, gossip,
and complaining coworkers can be a drain on your
energy. Instead, try to make friends with coworkers
who are positive, collegial, and can provide a good
network of support and resources.
Better yet... be that positive, supportive person
Chances are, it will also advance your career.
3. Make your workspace your own
Since you spend so much time at your workspace,
it will go a long way if you make it comfortable,
relaxed, and reflective of you. Keep it simple,
though. Over-cluttering your workspace can lead to
distraction.
4. Take ownership over your professional
development
Professional development will help you feel
connected to your career and grow as a
professional. Listen to advice from your boss, but
be the leader of your own path. Focus on where
you want to be, rather than where you are now. Take
steps each day that advance you toward your goal.
5. Be future oriented
A few bad days won't seem so grim if you have
solid long-term goals, and you can see how your
present work fits in to them. Be engaged in the
present, but don't lose sight of the big picture.
The best way to achieve goals is to have one
longer-term goal (one to three years out). Lay out
the steps you need to achieve this goal on a
flowchart, like this:
Establish a timeline for each step.
Focus on one step at a time. Make sure your daily
task list includes something tangible that moves
you toward the next step in your goal process.
